Dark Paradise: Opiate Addiction in America before 1940

In this eye-opening book, David Courtwright offers an original interpretation of a puzzling chapter in American social and medical history: the dramatic change in the pattern of opiate addiction. Once observed primarily among upper- and middle-class matrons, addiction came to be concentrated among young, lower-class urban males, often with a delinquent or criminal record. He challenges the view that the shift resulted simply from new laws such as the Harrison Narcotic Act of 1914, and shows that a crucial role was played by the medical rather than the legal profession. Courtwright's blending of medical and scientific literature with newspaper accounts, oral histories, and personal documents results in a striking exegesis of attitudes and practices still very much with us.
ASIN: 0674192613
VSKU: BVV.0674192613.G
Condition: Good
Author/Artist:Courtwright, David T.
Binding: Hardcover
Note: Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.
Condition Notes: The item shows wear from consistent use, but it remains in good condition and works perfectly. All pages and cover are intact including the dust cover, if applicable . Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials.